Side effects
Loestrin 20 pill common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
47% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported breast enlargement
47% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported tender breasts
35% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge
28% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness
28% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported period like cramps
Loestrin 20 pill rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
2% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported migraine with aura
2% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported a latex allergy
2% of Loestrin 20 pill reviewers reported pelvic infection
Possible Loestrin 20 pill side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Breast enlargement (47%)
- Tender breasts (47%)
- Vaginal discharge (35%)
- Vaginal dryness (28%)
- Period like cramps (28%)
- Sweating more than usual (21%)
- Thrush (21%)
- Lower back pain (16%)
- Nausea or vomiting (14%)
- High blood pressure (14%)
- Body hair increase (14%)
- Headaches (14%)
- Body hair getting darker (12%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (9%)
- Migraines (7%)
- Cystitis (5%)
- Dizziness (2%)
- Migraine with aura (2%)
- A latex allergy (2%)
- Pelvic infection (2%)
- Hair loss (0%)
Reviews
3.3
43 reviews
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Community reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 22nd Jan 22
I used a pill with the lowest hormones available, but I hated taking it because it as difficult to take at the exact same time every day and I felt that it was having some side effects on my mood/weight. I only started taking the pill because I was unaware of other options available to me and had heard anecdotally that IUDs were painful. However, I switched to a hormonal IUD (Mirena) about 6 years ago and have had a much more positive experience. I initially switched when Trump got elected because I was worried about what his administration would do to women's healthcare access, and an IUD seemed like the best, most permanent option available to me. It was not as painful as I thought to have inserted (but everyone is different!) and I still get my periods every month, which I don't mind. It has not impacted my mood/weight the same way that the pill did.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Jul 21
I did like this pill and was on it for a while however they seem to have stopped making it so was unable to get it again.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Jul 21
I was offered this pill by the GP after not getting on with microgynon 30 and another combined pill as this was the lowest dose of oestrogen in a combined pill available. I didn’t take it for long as I had similar side effects to other combined pills. Then went on to use the mini-pill for a while then copper IUD which I got on with alright. I now use fertility awareness method (sympto-thermal method) which I cannot recommend highly enough.
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 18th Feb 21
Really liked this pill and really disappointed it was discontinued. It was a brilliant pill - good contraceptive cover and minimal side effects
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 2nd Jan 21
Loved this pill minus the increase in anxiety. Would still be on it if it wasn't discontinued. Tried milinette and levest after this pill and both don't agree with me. Bring back this pill!
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 16th Dec 20
Since Loestrin 20 has been discontinued I'm yet to find a pill that works for me :(. I've tried rigevidon, microgynon, some others I can't remember, and the implant!! Nothing seems to work the same, I've particularly had problems with my sex drive since going off it and vaginal dryness. Does anyone know a pill like Loestrin 20 in the uk!????
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 23rd Nov 20
This was the only pill that I’ve taken that has ever worked for me with no side effects. Since it’s been discontinued - I have tried mercilon, femodette and Yasmin, all of which led to excessive bleeding and mood swings. If you are in the USA or can get a prescription from there- there is a generic of this pill called Junel Fe 1/20 that is the exact same as Loestrin 20 - for those missing this pill as much as I am!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 22nd Nov 20
I didn’t mind this pill and would have kept using it if it was still being manufactured. My spots were much worse at first but got better after 6 months or so and it completely eradicated my back acne. I did have spotting in between periods sometimes, and for a period of about 8 months had spotting every time after sex. I did gain about a stone of weight on this pill after struggling to put on weight on my previous pill (ovranette) which was the biggest downside. My boobs also grew probably a cup size. Almost complete loss of sex drive though, but I generally didn’t have an issue with mood on this one.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 17th Nov 20
This contraceptive pill was perfect for me - no unwanted side effects, no pain, no periods. Now that it is no longer available, I have been going through a range of different pills and none of them are as good (to put it mildly). In UK there is no alternative with the same ingredients.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 9th Nov 20
I've taken Loestrin 20 for more than 3 years and I was sad&surprise when it went out of production. I never had a problem with it - I'd definitely recommend it.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments